Martin's Cove Virtual Cache
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This cache is located along highway 220 between Rawlins and Casper, Wyoming. Within a half mile of Devil's Gate.
Once in the parking lot it is an easy walk to claim the cache.
Martin's Cove - A walk back in Time.
During the years 1840 - 1870, more than 500,00 people moved across the western plains in search of land, freedom of religion and gold. Some traveled on horseback, some by wagon train and some by handcart. August of 1856 Martin and Willie handcart companies left Iowa City, Iowa. They were headed to Salt Lake City in search of religious freedom. This site shares the story of one of the greatest tragedies of the early pioneer travelers to the West. Late October thru early November 1856, the Martin company huddled in a cove for four days, seeking shelter from the snow and relentless cold wind. While the company waited for rescuers from Salt Lake City, many people died from exposure and starvation.
The coordinates above are for the entrance off Highway 220, between Rawling and Casper Wyoming. Once you pass through the gate it is another mile to the Visitors Center. As you enter the parking lot Historic Devil's Gate is off to the right. The visitors center at one time was the "Sun Home" original settlers of the Ranch. There are old log cabins that are now museums with pioneer artifacts. Inside the Visitors Center there are exhibits that record the tragic circumstances of this event. There is a 15 minute video that I recommend you take the time and view.
At this point you should have the information to claim the cache.
I want this cache to be handicap accessible. To claim this cache you are required to e-mail me the answers to two questions:
1. On the barn is the information. What year was the "Sun Ranch" established?
2. There is a bronze handcart statue in the Visitors Center. Who is the Sculptor?
If you so choose, you can take a handcart and pull it to the mouth of Martin's Cove. The use of the handcart is free. You may load your picnic lunch in the cart and pull it to the handcart parking area, 1.3 miles one way. Small children may ride in the cart as you pull. There are tables at this location to sit and eat your lunch. There is a well with an old hand pump for drinking water at this location. If you choose to walk up into Martin's cove, without the cart, it is another 2.3 miles. The entire round trip including the Cove is 4.9 miles. TAKE WATER!
Open Daily -Free to the public
Mid-May though Labor Day: 8 am - 7 pm
Labor Day through Mid-May: 9 am - 4 pm
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Treasures
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